Having a blog, I realized how many outdated photos that I have on here. I don’t usually go through and check my blog, I usually post and leave it. Once in a while I start looking around to see if something needs to be fixed and today was a day I realized that I could update our family photos.
I have on our wall in our living room a sign that my husband made that says, “All because two people fell in love….” and around that sign is all of our children’s photos. I started this about 3 years ago. When they were all little, I barely had time to take photos of them. Smart phones would have been great back then, but unfortunately they were not “in” as they are now. I am thankful to always have my phone near me and I can easily snap a picture of my children doing something worth remembering.
Each year, I like to take an updated photo to place on our wall. I then send them to Walmart.com and print them off in 8×10 and then use some Modge Podge to glue them on my wood pieces. It works, it is easy and I am done.
Here are this year’s updated photos:
This is our oldest, Ashlyn (24) and her “very serious” guy, Paul. She lives back in Michigan as she was going to school for education and didn’t want to leave when we made the move down here. She has graduated and has a job as an educational specialist. She is successful and doing great! I am very proud of all her accomplishments. Paul is a wonderful man and a great match for her. We shall wait and see the future. This was taken at Dupont Forest, Triple Falls. 
Collin is our next oldest, he turned 21 this year. He is our main worker for our sign business and a great asset to our family. He is very personable and enjoys going out and doing the sign installs and meeting the customers. His personality is great for that. Photo taken at Dupont Forest.
Lauren is 19 this year, this was taken in our driveway before a wedding she attended this summer. Lauren is enjoying preparing herself for her future. She is working on being a good child care worker, by nannying many children. She professionally organizes and cleans and next year she said she will stay home more so she can work on her cooking skills—yes! Very excited to see what the Lord will do over the next few years for her.
Evan is 17 this year and is growing up into a godly young man. We have enjoyed seeing him sprout out of this “quieter” boy into this good-hearted young man. Yes, he still loves XBox 360:) but he is better about balancing it between exercise, church, friends, and family. Wonderful seeing them grow. (another Dupont Forest photo)
Jadyn is 12 this year. She has made it to a hair shorter than me, her mom. (5ft 7 in) She has grown from little girl into “preteen” stage and that has been great seeing her transition. I always called them my babies (all younger half) but now she is part of the “older” group. She has mastered baton twirling and is really good at it! I love watching her dance and spin it. I also love watching their hearts grow and mold more into a woman after God’s heart. (photo taken at our home)
Brooklyn is right behind her at age 10 almost 11. She is transitioning into that preteen stage as well. At first, there were some struggles between the two girls, but they enjoy spending time together away from the “younger set.” It will be a blessing to them as they grow more together. Brooklyn loves spending time playing with friends and using her roller blades. (photo taken on our driveway)
Autumn turned 9 and she has really grown up this year. I realized her legs are growing really long by how short her pants are on her! She has sprouted up a lot this past year. She is at the inbetween stage–where she wants to hang with the older girls, but still enjoys playing younger things. Another wonderful blessing to our family. I can’t say she has a favorite of things, because she loves lots of things:) (photo taken on our deck stairs)
Jentzen is 7. He is Daddy’s right hand man. He enjoys being in the garage whenever he can. He is always making something, creating something, or taking part something. Very creative mind. He loves lego’s and anything that belongs in the shop:) (photo taken on our deck stairs)
Madelyn is six this year. She is growing up very tall as well. She is moving away from her “needing me” age and become a little girl. She loves her babies and playing dollhouse with her sisters or brothers:) We have plenty of Ken dolls:) She is always the first one to pray or want to pray for someone else. (photo taken in front of our retainer wall)
Our number ten is Stephen. He turned 5 this year. He is a super smart and a very witty little boy. He still enjoys a snuggle:) but is right there with all of the other children playing. He loves bowties and button up shirts:) I love seeing him grow up and do things like all the other children. (photo taken in front of our retainer wall)
I look at my life in stages. At first it was that we were all done with diapers and I got rid of them. Then it was that we didn’t need a stroller anymore so I got rid of that. Then it was thinking I used to have to cut 120 toenails and fingernails for six little children, no longer have to do that–I am down to helping on 80 of them:) Then I only need to make three plates for little ones meals, instead of all six. Then the other day my youngest, started brushing his teeth on his own and I thought to myself, “Wow, my work is almost complete.” I know it will never be completely done, but it tapers off in stages.
As they grow, it is one less thing you have to do. One less diaper, one less baby equipment to lug around, one less set of nails to cut, one less set of teeth to brush, and one less dish to prepare. Momma’s out their with little ones, it WILL get easier, I promise. Endure and enjoy those moments no matter how chaotic they are. I have been there and a lot of it was a fog to me:) but I enjoy where I am at today and I know that my life is only going to get easier and be more blessed because of enduring.
Love you ladies, have a blessed weekend!
Such a beautiful family and encouragement for moms. I too am a Mama to 10 children. Ages 23, 21, 18, 10, 9, 7, 6, 4, 3, and a 17 month old. 5 girls and 5 boys. Life is a little chaotic with 5 boys ages 10 and under and a busy little toddler. Our family is now complete so I know each year the load on me will lighten. At times I am excited and then at times I panic. What will I do with the extra time!
Wow! Yes, life would be very busy with 5 boys:) I have found that boys are the busiest, especially when they are just acting like boys:) Such a blessing and I am sure that you will find “something” to do:) Be blessed Anna Mary.
I also have 10…26,23,19,17,14,13,10,7,4 and 1. I look at my big kids and know how fast it goes by. I look at my little kids and it seems like I have so far to go. By the time I’m done homeschooling, I will have homeschooled for 38 years (providing I don’t have any more). I’m thankful I know enough to not rush it and to enjoy it, But I’m not going to lie..I usually have more day left than I have energy.
Hello Heather! Very nice to meet you:) Isn’t it wonderful to see everyone grow up so much. I am enjoy my older half now that they are older and being “adults” and then I still get to enjoy the younger half. I know I have definitely “chilled” out way more with my younger half and that has helped me relax much more as a mom. I agree on the energy level, what has helped me hugely is exercise. Trust me, I do not like to do it, I don’t like sweating, I don’t like even taking time for it:) But I have seen that the only way I can keep up with my life is by exercising each day—I am thankful that we have a park by our home–5 minutes away that we can drive to everyday and the kids play and there is a walking path around the play structures–so I force myself to walk instead of sitting and relaxing:) I just do it! I get it done and then I feel so much better and the next day it isn’t so bad:) Oh, and some coffee with that please:) Be blessed Heather.
Well I feel a little out of place only having 4 children, lol. 12, 9, 1, and 1 son, Michael Dean, due any day now. My girls Kaydence and Trinity are my older ones and my son Jewel does already keep me very busy! God has blessed our family with an amazing, loving, selfless and patient man, father and husband! Braulio and I have been married for about 3 years now and couldn’t be happier as our lives get more busier with each new addition. I am new to homeschooling and look forward to using your books in helping my daughters to be all they were created to be in Jesus name! I saw you also have a book for raising boys in the way they should go. I plan on using that one with my sons when they are old enough. God bless you and your beautiful family, you truly are an Inspiration to all mommies out there who are striving to raise their children in the way of our Lord and Savior!
Ann, it is very nice to meet you! You sound like you are blessed with a wonderful family as well. I am glad you are here and glad you will be able to use the resources I offer. God is good!
what a wonderfully beautiful happy family you have. I too am married to my best friend and he is a commercial diver. I have 4 children, 23,22,17,15. my 23 almost 24 yr old son is married, actually has been for a year. My 22 yr old son is about to get married this November. I am so happy that they met their bestfriend to not only share their life with but also their love of their faith and their God. I have my own part time buisness in my home, I have a nail salon in one of the rooms and I will be now homeschooling 2 girls at home. Thank you so much for the use of your home ec course and resources! My 15 yr old is so excited to start her course tomorrow.
IT is very nice to meet you! I am glad to see you can use the resources they are basic, but they will get the job done. Have a blessed day!
Amy, I am really enjoying getting to know you through your YouTube videos. Thanks for all the work you put into sharing with the rest of us. I can totally relate to the 120 fingernails and toenails. I have 5 year old triplets, 4 year old twins and a 2 year old. I am a very organized person but the number of young children in a very short period of time continues to keep me challenged. I love hearing tips and tricks from others especially those who have been where I am. Thanks again for all your sharing!
Oh wow!!! You are a busy momma. Ahhh the fingernails and toenails:) So much not fun lol. I wish you the best. You will get through this and it will be a fun time in a few short years.
Thanks for all your inspiring videos!! For the blog I enjoy reading. I have 16 kids, 25,23,21,20,19,17,16,14,12,10,10,7,5,4,1 & 1 and I love every minute of it. I am always looking for ways to get the house to stay clean longer😊 also ways to save time and money on food. Thanks
Oh wow, you have a lot of children 🙂 I am sure you know that lol. I am glad you enjoy being here. I love learning from other mommas especially other large family mommas:)
I love watching your videos, even though I didn’t find my true love until I was 38, we married two weeks before my 40th but sadly god didn’t bless us with children. However I have five godchildren who all adore seeing us and are always happy to give cuddles!
I am sure you are a wonderful Auntie:) I appreciate you sharing and commenting. Have a blessed day!
I am a grandmother that just started watching your videos. I watch mostly gardening and homesteading ones but I somehow found yours. My daughter whom I live with has ten children from almost 21 years down to just 2 years. They all still live at home. The thing that frustrates her the most with a large family is the tremendous clutter that happens on a daily basis. Wall to wall clutter, no perfectionist neatniks in the children’s genetic makeup. Thank you for sharing your life. Blessings.
I appreciate you sharing. How wonderful…she is a busy momma:) I am sure you are a blessing to her. THe ages are the same as ours:) Thanks for watching.
Very nice to “meet” your beautiful family. I stumbled upon your blog accidentally and have loved reading through everything. I am also a homeschooling mom of 10 and it is so encouraging to see other similar-sized families who are just a bit further down the road from where we are. I have five girls and four boys (number 10 is due in September) ages 11, 10, 9, 7, 6, 4, 3, 2, and 1. 🙂
Nice to meet you!!! You are a busy Momma:) What a wonderful blessing. That was probably the busiest time in my life the younger ages you have, but it does get a lot easier:) I mean, does it really get easier?? LOL I mean they will soon become a little more self-sufficient;) Hope your day is great! Enjoy
You have such a beautiful family! I have 7 kids a 25 year old boy who is married and has a baby girl who is 2 and a half months old, a 15 year old girl, a 13 year old girl, a 11 year old girl, a 9 year old girl, a 6 year old boy, and last but not least a 2 year old boy. We have a lot of girls but we are thankful for every single one of them and we are thankful for the boys that God blessed us with.
God Bless You And Your Family!
I am so glad to meet you and that you shared this with me. Have a wonderful day today!
Hi, I know this post is older but I was curious if you live near Dupont? We’re in Transylvania County but I’ve only run into two large families since we’ve moved here (we have nine, the others have eight and nine). I’m looking forward to reading through your blog 🙂
WE do:) So nice to meet you. I know it is rarity that we run into larger families too. Even though I feel somewhat smaller with just 6 at home;)
Hi Amy,
Just reading through. I love your vlogs.
You need to update this again 🙂
Best Wising from Australia
I know…I don’t post on here anymore..except to add vlogs and recipes…maybe one day:)
What a beautiful family you have. I like the look of the last boy with his button up shirt and bow tie, he looks like someone who would become a Pastor one day.
He is sweet:) He loved wearing those types of shirts:) Still does:)
It’s made me realise if you can home educate 10 I [ with the Lords help and my hubby of cause!] am certainly capable of home educating our 3. Thankyouforyour beautiful words of wisdom and encouragement, I thank God for you and your beautiful family. x